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Scott Walker Ends Presidential Bid; Baby Doe's Mother, Mom's Boyfriend Arrested for Murder; Critics Says U.S. Shouldn't Host Chinese President. Aired 1-2a ET

Aired September 22, 2015 - 01:00   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

ERROL BARNETT, CNN ANCHOR: Out of cash and out of the contest. A former contender in the republican race for the White House drops out with a pointed message against Donald Trump.

Also ahead, a capitol divided. Politicians from both sides of the aisle prepare for a historic visit from Pope Francis. We'll tell you which side is more likely to embrace the Holy Father's views.

Plus damage control, a top official at Volkswagen says the company screwed up, after it gets busted for cheating on emission tests.

A big welcome to our viewers here in the U.S. and those of you tuned in all around the world. I'm Errol Barnett and this is CNN newsroom.

Now, he was an early favorite in the crowded republican race for the U.S. presidency. He was twice elected Governor of Wisconsin, taking on powerful public unions and winning big. But after only a few months on the campaign trail and two lackluster debate performances, Scott Walker is dropping out.

SCOTT WALKER, WISCONSIN GOVERNOR: I will suspend my campaign immediately. I encourage other republican presidential candidates to consider doing the same, so that the voters can focus on a limited number of candidates who can offer a positive, conservative alternative to the current front-runner.

BARNETT: Now, Walker's support, among republican voters, has been steadily declining since July when he registered to 10 percent. He fell to 8 percent in August, 5 percent earlier this month and now Walker was polling at less than 1 percent.

Ben Carson is clarifying his statement that he would not support a Muslim as U.S. president. An interview with Fox news, Carson said he could support a Muslim president, as long as they effectively renounce their faith.

On Facebook, Carson said a Muslim candidate would have to renounce Sharia law. Chief Political Correspondent, Dana Bash has more on the controversy.

DAN BASH, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Even in a campaign full of explosive comments, this one immediately stood out.

BEN CARSON, U.S. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: I would not advocate that we put a Muslim in charge of this nation. I absolutely would not agree with that.

BASH: Ben Carson said that he wouldn't want a Muslim as a president, in answer to a question about whether or not the Islamic religion is consistent with the constitution. Some of Carson's competitors distanced themselves.

TED CRUZ, U.S. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Well, the constitution provides that there should be no religious test for public office. And I'm a constitutionalist.

BASH: There are two Muslim members of congress both lashed out at Carson.

ANDRE CARSON, U.S. DEMOCRAT: That's arsine. That's almost like saying that a neurosurgeon could never become the president of the United States of America.

BASH: The democratic front-runner for president was quick to chime in. Saying, in a tweet, can a Muslim be president of the United States of America? In a word, yes. Now, let's move on. The conversation about Muslims in America began at a Donald Trump town hall last week, when he failed to correct a voter who falsely said President Obama is a Muslim, even though he is a Christian.

On Sunday, when asked what he thinks about the idea of a Muslim president, Trump stirred the pot, making this not-so-subtle suggestion about President Obama.

DONALD TRUMP, U.S. REPUBLICAN PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE: Some people have already said it happened, frankly. But of course, you wouldn't agree with that.

BASH: This, as Trump's status as the Republican front-runner is starting to slip. He's still on top, but losing ground. Down eight points in a new CNN/ORC poll since early this month. And Carly Fiorina is on the rise, in second place, with 15 percent after a standout debate performance.

When it comes to the name of the game, which is winning the republican nomination, it's hard to see these comments not having an effect. I was talking to a smart republican, who said there are two kinds of GOP voters. Those who like to have their ideology validated. They are energized by politically incorrect remarks. And another kind, the vast majority, who want to win the White House and are concerned about what is perceived to be an intolerant remark or remarks that might preclude them from victory over democrats in 2016.

Dana Bash, CNN, Washington.

BARNETT: Now, a number of Muslim leaders are calling on Carson to just drop out of the presidential race. CNN spoke with the executive director of the council on American-Islamic relations.

NIHD AWAD, COUNCIL ON AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS: He clearly trashed the United States constitution by saying that an American-Muslim cannot be president of the United States. That is a religious test. And therefore, he is proving himself unfit or not ready to lead the United States because he is not going to uphold the constitution.

[01:05:00] BARNETT: Currently Carson is in third place with 14 percent of support in the latest CNN/ORC poll of republican voters.

Anticipation is now building as Pope Francis begins his U.S. tour in just a few hours. President Obama will be there to greet the pope when he arrives near Washington. The White House is trying hard to take politics out of the pope's visit. But that may be impossible as CNN's Jim Acosta shows us.

JIM ACOSTA, CNN CORRESPONDENT: When Pope Francis arrives in Washington for his first visit to the U.S., President Obama will be welcoming a powerful political partner. But with the next presidential election heating up, the White House is rejecting the notion the pope's trip is all about politics.

JOSH EARNEST, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: There's no plan or strategy that's been put in place to try to stage an event that will advance anybody's political agenda.

ACOSTA: That's a tough claim to make, considering the pope's positions. As the White House led the charge for same-sex marriage, Pope Francis has softened his own stance on gay priests.

POPE FRANCIS: Is a person is gay and seeks God and has goodwill, who am I to judge him?

ACOSTA: On climate change, the pope says it's a global problem with great implications. The earth, our home, is beginning to look more and more like an immense pile of filth. And he slammed trickle-down economics, saying this opinion which has never been confirmed by the facts expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power. And there's the president's policy on Cuba, a change the pope helped broker in secret.

BARACK OBAMA, PRESIDENT, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: I want to thank his holiness Pope Francis.

ACOSTA: Conservatives have dubbed it the Obamafication of Pope Francis and GOP presidential candidates have had enough.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I just think the pope was wrong. The fact is that his infallibility is on religious matters, not on political ones.

ACOSTA: It's not the first time a pope and U.S. president have joined forces. Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II were close allies in the fight against communism during the cold war.

FATHER EDWARD BECK, CNN FAITH & RELIGION COMMENTATOR: When John Paul II kind of went against polish communism, and allied himself with the solidarity movement, I didn't care a lot offer - he was lauded for that advancement. I think it's interesting that this pope, when he wades into those waters, seems to get criticized, stay out of politics.

ACOSTA: Some republicans are also steamed that the White House is inviting pro-choice and pro-gay rights advocates to the pope's arrival ceremony. Mike Huckabee dubbed that a new low for the administration that will go down as the most anti-Christian in American history. The White House insists the pope deserves a diverse audience.

EARNEST: There's no theological test that was administered prior to giving out tickets to the south lawn Wednesday morning.

ACOSTA: Even with these two leaders on the same page on so many issues, White House officials can see there could be moments when the pope publicly disagrees with the president. For example, on the subject of abortion. Aides of the president says they have some clue as to what the pope plans to say this week. But they're also bracing for plenty of surprises.

Jim Acosta, CNN, the White House.

BARNETT: Before heading to the United States, Pope Francis will lead a mass in Cuba. As CNN's Patrick Ottoman reports, the pope has been warmly received during his four-day visit to the island nation.

PATRICK OTTOMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: There's no way around it. Cuba is giving Pope Francis the rock star treatment. What a cool pope, chanted these young Cubans in Havana. Certainly much cooler than the weather. Even Cuba's scorching September sun, couldn't prevent huge crowds from gathering to greet Pope Francis.

Vatican officials said, the Pope's Savanna mass drew some 200,000 people. Something Cuban officials perhaps weary of Francis' star power have not confirmed. His was the rare message of inclusiveness in a country that demands political conformity.

And you Cubans, even if you think differently, have different perspectives, he says. I want you to walk together so you don't lose hope. Hope can be a luxury in Cuba. A country that was for nearly three decades officially atheist, and where many Catholics face religious discrimination. Francis took a few subtle jabs at the socialism or death mentality of the communist-run government. Service is never ideological, he says. For, we do not serve ideas. We serve people.

Observers say Pope Francis is looking not to bring the revolution down. Just curb its repressive excesses.

[01:10:00] AUSTIN IVEREIGH, POPE FRANCIS BIOGRAPHER: Francis as a young man, as a young Jesuit, of course, he was deeply impacted by the Cuban revolution, that whole generation was. And he was deeply disappointed when Cuba went communist. And I also wonder whether Francis is reminding of something the revolution was before it went Marxist.

OTTOMAN: And Pope Francis even met Raul Castro's brother, the father of Marxism in Cuba, Fidel Castro. The pope met the ailing former commandante was at his home near Havana. Cuban showed rare images of Castro's children and wife who apparently didn't know that wearing white with meeting the pope is a right reserved for the queens of Catholic countries. The pope leaves Cuba on Tuesday to go ahead to Washington D.C.

Patrick Ottoman, CNN, Havana.

BARNETT: Another story we're tracking for you. E.U. interior ministers are meeting later today to discuss a possible deal to resettle thousands of refugees seeking asylum in central Europe. The number of people flocking to the region is truly staggering.

Croatian says almost 30,000 migrants have crossed into that country so far. A small portion of the almost 500,000 estimated to have entered Europe this year. Hungary's parliament gave permission to use nonlethal force to control the migrants who are trying to cross into Austria.

CNN's International Correspondent, Ben Wederman is on the Hungarian- Austrian border.

BEN WEDERMAN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Basically, throughout the day, trains come and deposit them just about four kilometers from here on the Hungarian side. They walk. And then, they're met by Hungarian aid workers and others who gave them food before they actually enter Austria.

Usually, they stay here for a few hours. Sometimes overnight. They're bussed to points further inside the country. Now, here, for instance, the Austrian army soldiers are trying to keep the place organized. Herding the refugees and migrants around until they're ready to leave. But it's really a steady flow of people.

We understand since over the weekend, more than 20,000 refugees and migrants have reached Hungary. And we were on another border crossing to the east - rather, the west of here. And we saw that preparations were being made on the Hungarian side as well as the Austrian side, to take in more.

So, preparations, people are bracing for a continued stream of people entering first Austria, of course. But many of the refugees say their final goal is actually Germany.

ACOSTA: Ben Wedeman there. Still to come here on CNN Newsroom, busted big-time. A popular carmaker, accused of rigging tests to show lower emissions. We're going to show you how this worked, coming up.

Plus, the debate around powerful religious leaders are having about relations with the west. A report from Tehran, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[01:15:00] PEDRAM JAVAHERI, METEOROLOGIST: Time to talk weather. Pedram Javaheri, CNN weather watch.

Southwestern United States, the area to be if you like rainfall, and plenty of it coming in courtesy of a dying tropical depression over this region and we're going to the west, it seems some active weather across the southeastern United States, as well. Your temperatures, with the moisture in place, should cool off just a little bit to around Atlanta, Chicago, mostly sunny, about 26. Late summer day.

One day before we start autumn across the United States in the northern hemisphere. And Los Angeles will get some morning clouds, afternoon sunshine. But again, notice the wet weather going to be locked in across the southwest. Over 6 million people underneath flood watches in Arizona and New Mexico. And watching a record- breaking storm system for the central Pacific.

This is the sixth named storm, sitting northwest of the Hawaii islands. The remnants later into the week. Opens up the record books when it comes to the number of storms we've seen name aid cross that portion of the Pacific Ocean. Across the Caribbean. Temps from 31 to 32 degrees. 22 around Guatemala City. And the pattern is wet around Panama. Temperatures there in the mid-20s. Bogota, up to about 22. Rio, about 32, with sunny skies there.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BARNETT: If you have a Volkswagen or Audi, listen up. The chief of Volkswagen in the U.S. says, the company quotes, totally screwed up. The U.S. environmental protection agency, she was the automaker for cheating for the clean air standards. "Wall Street Journal" and others report Volkswagen could face a criminal prep because of this.

Officials say some company programmed some diesel fuel cars to report lower emissions when tested. The software was installed on 500,000 cars, and that includes Audi. The CEO has apologized. The automaker may face up to $18 billion in fines. The scandal has hit stocks hard. Richard Quest explains how bad it was and how the cheating worked.

RICHARD QUEST, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I'm going to start with the most important effect we've seen. Look at the way the share price over the last five days. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Monday. Right the way down. And if you look and you see exactly how far, down 17 percent at the close, which for a stock like Volkswagen is absolutely huge.

And when you look at the reasons why, and you start to consider, the number of models that we are talking about, 500,000 cars, Jettas, Beatles, Golfs, Passats, Audis, A3s. Anything from 2009, to 2015. And what would happen is when the cars were being tested, the engine computer recognized that the wheels - the steering wheel wasn't moving. And the way the wheels were turning. And it knew this was the characteristic. It knew it was the characteristic of a test.

So, it enabled the switch. And therefore, the emissions came down. And then, once the car was back on the road, the computer recognized the wheels were turning, they were doing in different ways, speeds were changing and the switch flipped again. And suddenly, everything went off. And greatly, the emissions were much greater because they were normal driving. Absolutely, extraordinary how this took place.

BARNETT: There really is, Richard Quest there. Keep in mind, this issue his isn't just about fuel economy or stock prices. Some of the cars emitted 40-times the legal levels of nitrous oxide which experts say can cause asthma and other respiratory problems. Now other stories we're following for you, the questions about

Moscow's intention in Syria that deepening with a rapid buildup of combat equipment there. Two U.S. officials say Russia started flying unmanned drones over Syria. And an apparent surveillance operation. They couldn't confirm though whether those drones were armed.

A U.S. official says Russia now has 25 fighter and attack aircraft in place. That's in addition to 15 helicopters, 9 tanks and 3 surface- to-air missile systems. About 500 personnel are on the ground. This brought Israel's prime minister for a meeting with Vladimir Putin. The buildup is aimed at building up Syria's regime. Matthew Chance reports, the move comes with major risks.

[01:20:00] MATTHEW CHANCE, CNN CORRESPONDENT: As Russia backs its Syrian ally, there are signs of a violent backlash. This grainy video posted online purports to show an attack on government forces where the Russian buildup is taking place.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: We declare today that we are taking the airport that has been turned into the Russian military base. The Russians will not enjoy peace in Syria.

CHANCE: Moscow says its fight is with is, the brutal group that's captured vast areas of territory. But it's an array of others, like fighters of the army of Israel, that are challenging the Syrian government strongholds.

EMILIO HOKAYEM, INTL. INSTITUTE FOR STRATEGIC STUDIES: It has to fight Islamist and mainstream rebels minus ISIS. Some of the rebels are I lined with regional actors, like Turkey. Others like the coastal divisions are part of the free Syrian army that the United States has trained and armed and equipped over the years.

CHANCE: Latest images show tanks and systems on the ground. Syrian television has offered other hardware, too. Engaged on the front lines. It's the arrival of this hardware, countries like Israel, whose prime minister has been seeking insurances about Russian intentions. What they may be. How far Russia is prepared to go, to back its Syrian government ally, remains unclear.

Speaking in Moscow, all Vladimir Putin would give away, were a few words. All Russian actions in the Middle East have been and will be responsible, he said. With so many interests in play, including the U.S. military, events on the ground could spin out of control. Already Moscow says its embassy in Damascus has been shelled. Russian's Syrian putting it in the firing line.

Matthew Chance, CNN, Moscow.

BARNETT: The U.S. watchdog has conducted an inspection of the military site. Iranian technicians took samples and the IAEA monitored the process. They will analyze the samples in Austria. They will looking into past nuclear activity, separate from terms agreed to in July's nuclear deal.

Many of Iran's religious leaders remain skeptical over that deal made with six world powers, including its long-time adversary, the U.S. Frederick Pleitgen reports on the mixed views of Iran.

FREDERICK PLEITGEN, CNN CRRESPONDENT: The shrine is one of the most important holy sites of Iran. And it made this the center for Shiite Islamic studies. Now, Iran's powerful clergy is engulfed in a debate on how to move forward in relations with the west, and America in particular. This is the head of Islamic and cultural studies at the university here. He's excited about the current diplomatic momentum.

ABBAS ALI BARATI, AL-HUALIFA, INTERNATIONAL UNIVRESITY: We like to use diplomacy. Diplomacy is always better than war. A language of diplomacy, a language of negotiations, is better. And even if there is a kind of fear about that, they should talk about it and remove it.

PLEITGEN: Moderates around President Hassan Rouhani, are talking about a steady improvement in U.S./Iranian relations. But there are harsh critics. With the famous shrine and its religious schools, this is the hub for religious conservatives here in Iran. And many fear that Islam could lose influence if there's more cooperation with the west, especially with the United States. Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Khomeini.

[01:25:00] They translate historic religious texts and provide scholarly commentary. The institute's head is close to the supreme leader. And also has little trust for the U.S. Mr. Obama keeps saying all options are on the table, he says. But the Iranians are not scared at all. This is not even worth the paper it's written on.

The Ayatollah says any improvement in relations will be a long process. If the west wants fair relations, not like a wolf and a sheep, we can think about it, he says. But the Americans have to prove themselves first. Polls show Iranians favor a better relationship with the west, leadership remains skeptical. Arguing that 40 years of confrontation won't be wiped away by an agreement on nuclear energy.

Frederick Pleitgen, CNN, Iran.

BARNETT: Still to come here on CNN newsroom, a second republican has ended his bid for the U.S. presidency.

Next, why Scott Walker is urging other candidates to do the same.

Emotions were high in a Boston courtroom, as prosecutors gave chilling details about the death of a little girl. We'll get you the latest information on the Baby Doe murder case, coming up.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

BARNETT: You are watching CNN Newsroom. Thanks so much for staying with me. I'm Errol Barnett. Here are the top stories we're following for you right now.

In a few hours, Pope Francis will lead a mass in Cuba before heading to the U.S. the pope has been warmly received during his four-day visit to the island nation. 200,000 people attended his mass in Havana. President Obama and the first lady will greet the pope when he lands Tuesday near Washington.

The U.S. is accusing Volkswagen on cheating of air standard tests. The Environmental Protection Agency says the automaker installed software on thousands of cars that lowered emissions during testing. The EPA says the vehicles emitted 40-times the legal levels of nitric oxide when the software switched off.

U.S. presidential candidate, Ben Carson, is trying to clarify his remarks that he would not allow a Muslim candidate for the White House. Carson now says he could a Muslim if they renounced Sharia Law, which is a key tenet of Islam.

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is ending his U.S. presidential bid. He is the second Republican to drop out of the race, along with former Texas Governor Rick Perry. Walker was among favorites in the crowded Republican field but his support disappeared in the last two months.

And in fact, Scott Walker is now encouraging other Republicans to follow his lead and pull out of the U.S. presidential race. He says voters need to focus on a positive alternative to current front runner, Donald Trump.

Earlier, I speak with CNN political commentator, Ben Ferguson.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

Ben, great to see you. I want to be transparent here and let you know that today I've became a U.S. citizen. I've taken the test. I brought my materials and flag here. So I'm much more interested.

BEN FERGUSON, CNN POLITICAL COMMENTATOR: Congratulations.

BARNETT: Thank you for that. I'll be voting in this election. So I'm more interested in usual --

FERGUSON: Sure.

BARNETT: -- about what you have to say about all of this.

Let's talk about what's happening with the Republicans. Scott Walker had a stunning drop in support since Trump entered the scene. He was pulling 20 percent of conservatives back in March, to less than 1 percent before dropping out. How surprised are you now that he's encouraging an anti-Trump movement in the Republican Party, realizing that's why he lost support?

FERGUSON: I'm not surprised. Anytime you drop out, you obviously are looking at a life's-goal dream that has gone away. It was a promising dream for Scott Walker. It was a reality at one point. He was leading in early primary states. When you see Donald Trump come into this, and because of Donald Trump, you lost your chance for the White House that you had been preparing for, I think you could say for the last decade for Scott Walker, and not only that, but to see a lead wither away to becoming an asterisk, that's got to be something that's devastating to be a part of, especially as an individual. But let's be fair here. Scott Walker had two terrible debates in a

row. You can only blame so much of this on Donald Trump. I think Scott Walker really tried to overstretch in the first debate. In the second debate, he just did not connect with people. That happens a lot with presidential candidates. Unfortunately, for him, his campaign is over very early, much earlier than his supporters and donors and even he thought it would ever be. I was shocked how quick this ended for him. But the race has still got a lot of people in it. And there's a lot of months ahead that they're going to be fighting with one another.

BARNETT: He and other candidates have made the point that the Republican candidate who wins has to have a positive, hopeful message, than what he is saying is coming from Donald Trump, more negative and fearful. And despite Scott Walker's troubles, he had major financial backing.

FERGUSON: Yeah.

BARNETT: He's respected in the party. And it's likely he will be working behind the scenes as the weeks go on to undo Trump's support. Do you think that will gain any traction?

FERGUSON: I'm not sure it will necessarily gain traction. When you see someone like Scott Walker drop out, it gives all of the other candidates a better opportunity, a better chance to stand out and also to gain in the polls. I mean, you look at after even this last debate, you had Donald Trump that lost support. You had, you know, Carly Fiorina jump to second place. Ben Carson is steady at second and third. And you also had Marco Rubio, who was really able to catapult after the last debate. So, there's a lot of people paying attention. I think every time we have a debate, you're going to see probably someone drop out and someone's race get much more realistic of being able to conquer Donald Trump. And you might see a unity among the dropouts who say, you know what, anyone but Donald Trump because he ruined our chance by jumping in this thing. And many of them, I don't think, look at him as a serious and/or realistic candidate for the White House, even though he's leading this many months in a row.

BARNETT: What does it mean that Donald Trump still leads, despite the many offensive things he said? The reason I bring up becoming a citizen is because you go through the ceremonies. The presentation is how fantastic immigrants have been to the construction of the country.

FERGUSON: Sure.

BARNETT: How the Constitution must be upheld. The Constitution makes it clear there's no religious test for people getting into office. What does it say about the Republican base that the more inflammatory Trump is, the more support he gets? And to become president, you have to win the middle, as well. Isn't he running the risk of losing that?

(CROSSTALK)

[01:35:16] FERGUSON: I think there's two ways to look at this or two things to notice. You have Bernie Sanders has been giving Hillary Clinton an unbelievable run for her money. In traditional politics, you would say that's not possible. She's the establishment candidate. The same thing early on here. Donald Trump is not the establishment. What you're seeing is people on both sides of the aisle, whether it be backing Bernie Sanders, who openly says he's a Socialist, or backing Donald Trump, or Carly Fiorina, or Ben Carson, all not politicians. They're sick and tired of politicians in Washington saying they're going to do something and not doing it at all, not coming close to what their campaign promises are.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BARNETT: Ben Carson speaking there -- excuse me -- Ben Ferguson speaking to me earlier.

For more on Walker's exit from the presidential race, and more on Ben Carson's comments on Muslims, head to CNN.com/politics.

Now, to a murder case gaining national attention in the U.S. 2-year- old Bella Bond, also known as Baby Doe, was found dead in the Boston Harbor in Massachusetts back in June. Now, her mother and mom's boyfriend are facing charges in the girl's death.

CNN's Steve Nanus reports.

(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)

STEVE NANUS, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Emotions ran high in a Boston courtroom during a bail hearing for Rachelle Bond and her boyfriend, Michael McCarthy, both charged in the connection of Rachelle's daughter, 2-year-old Bella.

RACHELLE BOND, MOTHER OF BELLA BOND: (EXPLETIVE DELETED) right now.

NANUS: Before Bella was identified, she was referred to as Baby Doe, after her remains were found wrapped in a black trash bag on the shore of the Boston Harbor.

McCarthy was charged Friday with murder and was denied bail. Bond was charged as an accessory to murder after the fact. She's being held on $1 million bail. Both pleaded not guilty.

DAVID DEAKIN, ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEY: She went to her daughter and picked her up. And she told police that she knew at that moment her daughter was dead. She asked Mr. McCarthy what he had done and he did not tell her, but he said, she was a demon anyway, it was her time to die.

NANUS: In court Monday, prosecutors alleged that McCarthy killed the 2-year-old in her own home. And Bella's mother admitted to helping keep the death a secret.

DEAKIN: He put the plastic bag in a duffel bag that he put in the trunk of his car and drove to an area, in the South Boston Seaport. She reports that he took weights, put them in the bag, and then, dumped her body in the water. NANUS: McCarthy's attorney insists his client is innocent.

JONATHAN SHAPIRO, ATTORNEY FOR MICHAEL MCCARTHY: He is shocked and saddened by the death of Bella Bond but he did not kill her.

NANUS: But the lawyer for the child's mother disagrees.

UNIDENTIFIED ATTORNEY FOR RACHELLE BOND: She wants to see Mr. McCarthy pay for what he did.

I'm Steve Nanus reporting.

(END VIDEOTAPE)

BARNETT: China's president embarks on a controversial visit to the U.S. Up next, in a live report, the details on his first stop, and why some people don't want him to visit the White House.

Stay with CNN.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

[01:41:30] BARNETT: You are looking at what's left of a home in Texas. Police and firefighters arrived on the scene after reports of a home explosion. Reports indicate several people were injured and two people were air-lifted to a hospital. At least nine other homes in this area were damaged by the blast. The cause of the exPLOsion remains unknown but is under investigation.

Apple's newest project isn't the next Smartphone or tablet, but an electric car. The "Wall Street Journal" reports that the tech company has the codenamed it Titan. People close to the project a target date to complete the vehicle has been set for 2019. Very interesting.

Apple is pulling dozens of Chinese apps after a major attack on the iTunes app store. One of them is the super popular mobile messaging app, WeChat. That's used by some 600 million people around the world. Apple says the app was made using software that could trick customers to giving up their iCloud passwords and opening dangerous websites.

Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to meet with tech and aerospace executives in the U.S. state of Washington a few hours from now. That will be his first stop in what appeared to be a controversial state visit to the U.S. Many critics say the U.S. should not host him because China is accused of cyber espionage against American companies. In the "Wall Street Journal today," Mr. Xi says China does not hack.

For more on this controversial visit, let's go our Saima Mohsin, in Beijing.

Saima, good to see you.

Of course, Cyber security is going to be front and center during this trip. With China's actions in the South China Sea and its handling of the economy, there's a number of topics to discuss. What's the priorities here?

SAIMA MOHSIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT: I think the one that you just mentioned, that he's responded to questions in the "Wall Street Journal" about, cyber security, is definitely top of the bill, Errol. It's what the U.S. has been building the rhetoric on. We've seen a ramping up over the last few weeks. President Obama saying if China wants to make this a competition, the U.S. will win. And this morning, we're seeing an interview with the "Wall Street Journal," where President Xi himself has responded, saying that China does not back or engage the theft of commercial secrets or doesn't encourage it. He's not saying it's not going on. He's saying, Errol, that it's not state-sponsored. And of course, there are a lot of countries that are looking at cyber espionage, as well, and guilty of it. Other than that, there's the activity in the South China Sea. There's the slump in the economy, a huge problem and we've seen major reactions reverberating around the world. And returning fugitives that China wants returned from the U.S., even though there isn't an agreement. There's a lot of issues to talk through. And there are a lot of opportunities, as well. And that's also what a lot of people want to keep on the agenda.

This is what Max Baucus, the U.S. ambassador to China, had to say about that.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

MAX BAUCUS, U.S. AMBASSADOR TO CHINA: First, is the opportunity to more fully expand our cooperator engagement with China. Each passing year, there's more and more areas, environment, economic, political. It's a great opportunity. The second opportunity is for a more frank discussion between our two countries. It's quite clear to me that we're entering into a new phase in the relationship.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

[01:45:25] MOHSIN: So, while there are a lot of controversial issues, Errol, to talk over, there's also a lot of opportunities. There's a lot of trade. And that is why President Xi is starting his tour in Seattle. He wants to talk about tech, the Internet, the opportunities for collaboration between the U.S. and China -- Errol?

BARNETT: And you can't take a more optimistic view. There are many contentious issues. The two sides agreed on historic carbon reductions. Perhaps some positivity can come out of this trip.

Saima Mohsin, live for us in Beijing. Saima, thanks.

Firefighters in northern California had a brush fire of five acres on Monday, but it threatened to spread to homes and businesses. The fast-moving fire was in Martinez, California, at the edge of a regional park. And at one point, construction crews used a garden hose to try to beat back the flames. The county fire department was able to control this blaze.

Flood watches have been issued for millions of people across the southwestern U.S., with heavy rains forecast in the region. Our Meteorologist Pedram Javaheri joins us to talk about that.

The rain not necessarily falling where it's needed most.

AMS METEOROLOGIST: Yeah. And, Errol, that's interesting. We should talk about the southern portion of California, where we often have large fires. We haven't had anything in the major fire department so far. That's something worth noting. But we know, as you head towards October and November, Santa Ana winds kick up and the temperatures get warmer. It's something that's going to be a serious concern for people on the southern portion of the state, as well. The damage so far to the north. Touching on the rainfall, just not reaching in this region. The valley fire becoming top three in the state of California for structural damage for any fire in recorded history. 75,000 acres damaged. You notice, a lot of these occurring, since the year 2000. This is now 75 percent contained. Some ground being made on this particular fire that's one of the most destructive in state history. The depression across an area, just north of the Sea of Cortez, with a lot of rainfall. And southern Arizona, eastern Arizona. And the vast majority of people around California, underneath flood watches because of potential of the storms to produce heavy rainfall in a short time period. But the other story we're following, is happening across portions of Indonesia. This time of year, farmers get to burn land. And the wind pattern picks up the smoke. We're seeing incredible satellite images, showing you the haze, the smoke. And we put the thermal signature of the fires in place. Some 70,000 respiratory infections, eye irritation, cough. You take a look. You can easily pick out the smoke and the haze, differentiation than the cloud tops. And the images coming out of Indonesia, remarkable, when you see how poor the air quality is. Some of the observation sites say the index is reaching nine. 99. The top of the charts. The air quality above 50 and above is unhealthy. And this is as dangerous when it comes to the flying particulates in the air right now. And millions of people in Indonesia, working to Singapore, a lot of people are in the region and are breathing this air right now.

BARNETT: That's frightening stuff.

JAVAHERI: It is frightening stuff.

BARNETT: All right, Pedram, thank you very much for that.

If you're lucky enough to meet Pope Francis, you may get a chance to swap hats with him. We'll fill you in on the pope's tradition, next.

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[01:50:33] DON RIDDEL, CNN WORLD SPORTS ANCHOR: Hey, I'm Don Riddel with you CNN "World Sport" headlines.

Chelsea Striker Diego Costa has been charged with violent conduct by the Football Association, after his team's win against arsenal on Saturday. Costa was seen to put his hands into the face of the gunner's defender, before clashing with Gabrielle. Ends 2-0 to the champion's Chelsea. The F.A. charged him with improper conduct and both teams from failing to control their players. Costa has until 6:00 p.m. British summertime on Tuesday to respond to the charge.

Trinidad's attorney general has approved the U.S. extradition proceedings against former FIFA vice president, Jack Warner. U.S. authorities want to try the 72-year-old on charges of accepting millions of dollars in bribes. Warner has denied the charges and has been fighting extradition.

The Rugby World Cup is taking a little breather. There's no doubt about the biggest story so far. The greatest upset in the history of the sport, as Japan beat the mighty South Africa. And Japan's coach, Eddie Jones, has warned their next opponent, Scotland, that Japan wants to be more than one-hit wonders. Japan was given a guard of honor as their Briton hotel. The Cherry Blossoms take on the Scots on Wednesday.

And that's a quick look at sports headlines. I'm Don Riddel.

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BARNETT: Welcome back. I hope you had a chance to see the Emmy Awards this weekend. If you did, you will be part of a record of viewership. This wasn't a good one for the event. The 67th Emmys had the award's lowest rating ever. But they had two major trophy highlights. "Mad Man's" Jon Hamm got his first Emmy. And Viola Davis was the first African-American woman to win outstanding lead actress in a drama.

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VIOLA DAVIS, ACTRESS: The only thing that separates women of color from anyone else is opportunity.

(APPLAUSE)

DAVIS: You cannot win an Emmy for roles that are simply not there.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

BARNETT: And that really struck a chord. Only 11.9 million viewers watched that emotional speech during the show. But it has been shared countless times on social media.

Now, how would you like to trade hats with Pope Francis? Believe it or not, this is a tradition.

CNN's Jeanne Moos reports on who has done it and how.

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(MUSIC)

JEANNE MOOS, CNN NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): We tend to notice the pope's skull cap --

(MUSIC)

MOOS: -- only even when it flies off.

It often appears ready for liftoff.

POPE FRANCIS: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE)

MOOS: Usually, when he's getting off a plane.

But Pope Francis never loses faith when a holy gust gets him. He's so humble. He lets kids play with the cap.

But did you know you can trade caps with the pope?

DAVID O'REILLY, RELIGION REPORTER, PHILADELPHIA ENQUIRER: I thought, I'm going to be on the plane with the pope. Wouldn't it be cool if I swapped with him?

MOOS: Before "Philadelphia Enquirer" religion reporter, David O'Reilly, boarded the pope's plane for Cuba, he went to the pope's tailor shop and bought a new cap for 68 bucks.

When the pope came to the back of the plane, O'Reilly handed him the new cap, which the pope tried on for size. And then, said --

O'REILLY: (SPEAKING FOREIGN LANGUAGE) -- which means "a little big."

[01:55:06] MOOS: And with the essence of pope upon it, Francis gave the pop back to the reporter.

(on camera): For the pope, this is old hat. He does it all the time.

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MOOS (voice-over): Fans wave a cap at him. The pope-mobile stops. If the cap fits, he keeps it and gives away the old one. To these two Boston College students, for instance.

(SHOUTING)

MOOS: And if it doesn't fit, Francis at least puts it on his head, so when he returns it, it's been warn by a pope.

For papal cap-swappers, it's a thrill.

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: I'm still shaking. It's been 10 minutes.

MOOS: For others, the thrill is making a buck on eBay. Caps said to be worn by the pope are for sale for more than $900.

But David O'Reilly isn't selling his.

O'REILLY: It's in a Ziploc bag in my backpack.

MOOS: When the plane landed in Cuba, the wind stole the pope's old cap.

Here's a man who doesn't just preach to you about giving the clothes off your back.

(SHOUTING)

MOOS: He gives you the hat off his head.

Jeanne Moos, CNN, New York.

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BARNETT: Interesting stuff there.

I'm Errol Barnett. I'm back in one hour for another edition of CNN NEWSROOM.

Until then, Rosemary Church steers you through the world's biggest stories.

Stay with us. You're with CNN.

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